My company is an overseas branch; can I transfer to the U.S. parent company?

Yes, it is possible. The L visa was created precisely to facilitate the transfer of professionals between units of the same multinational company that operates abroad and in the United States.

If your overseas company is a branch (or part of the same group) as a U.S. parent, the transfer may be eligible, provided two points are clearly demonstrated:

• The qualified corporate relationship between the overseas company and the U.S. company, whether parent, branch, affiliate, or subsidiary.
• That you worked at the overseas company in a managerial, executive, or specialized knowledge capacity for the required qualifying period, prior to the petition.

Each case has its own specifics, and a careful review of documents and professional history is what ensures compliance with U.S. immigration rules. The minimum qualifying period abroad and the eligibility details are determined by the competent authority.

For this reason, it is worth consulting official sources such as USCIS, and working with a qualified professional to confirm current requirements and organize your documentation with confidence.

About the author

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

As a journalist and lead editor at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps ensure that immigration topics are covered in a clear, trustworthy, and easy-to-understand way. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.